The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to allow other shipping lines that comply with safety regulations to operate along the routes served by Aleson Shipping Lines while the latter’s vessels are grounded.

DOTr said the order was based on President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s directive to ensure that passengers continue to have safe transportation.

Aleson’s entire fleet was grounded after its Ro-Ro vessel, M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, sank off Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan on Monday, January 26, 2026.

“Malinaw ang utos ng Pangulo na habang grounded ang Aleson Shipping Lines, at nagsasagawa ng comprehensive safety audit at inspection ang PCG at MARINA sa mga barko ng Aleson, dapat tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang ligtas na biyahe ng mga pasahero,” Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said.

MARINA will issue special permits to qualified shipping lines to operate on Aleson’s routes, including trips from Zamboanga City to Isabela City; Lamitan City; Siasi, Sulu; Jolo, Sulu; Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Also included are the routes Pulauan, Dapitan City-Dumaguete City; and Dumaguete City-Siquijor/Larena.

As of this writing, some vessels are already operating on most of these routes, except for Lamitan and Bongao.

In case of a shortage of commercial vessels, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it is prepared to provide free rides to passengers affected.

“If ever magkakaroon tayo ng kakulangan sa commercial vessels na magta-transport sa ating mga kababayan, the PCG’s 44-meter vessels will be utilized para sa libreng sakay para sa mga kababayan nating apektado ng audit at inspection ng PCG at MARINA [sa Aleso],” PCG Spokesperson, Captain Noemie Cayabyab, said.

Meanwhile, PCG has deployed technical divers and remotely operated vehicles in the waters off Basilan to intensify search and rescue operations.

PCG data showed that 316 passengers have already been rescued, while 18 fatalities have been confirmed and 10 others remain missing, as of this writing.